The world is still reeling from the terrible tragedy that was the Orlando nightclub massacre, but it's heart-warming to know that there's still good in the world. One of the survivors of the shooting, Tony Marrero, has just had his life turned around by getting to meet his idol Katy Perry on 'Ellen'.

Katy PerryKaty Perry meets an Orlando survivor who credits his recovery with her music

Tony Marrero took to 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' on Thursday night (September 8th 2016) to talk about his experience on that fateful day in June at Pulse, and to talk about how Katy Perry's latest single 'Rise' helped him through his ordeal. But little did he know what surprise awaited him. 

'The lyrics to that song are so powerful. Every word in that song is just powerful. So I embraced it', Tony explained to Ellen. 'My boyfriend is annoyed already by that song but I play it and play it and play it because it's so beautiful.' 

Then, when Ellen casually asked him if he wanted to meet Katy, he looked completely stunned, and burst into tears when she appeared in the room. He wasn't the only one crying though; Katy struggled to hold it together as she dabbed at her eyes with a napkin. 'We're both shaking', she said. We're both electrified by each other and so inspired.'

A tearful Tony took the opportunity to thank Katy personally for what her song - which includes lyrics like 'I won't just survive/ Oh, you will see me thrive' - did for him as he recovered from five gunshot wounds. 'I just want to say thank you for everything you do', he said. 'Your lyrics to that song helped me from the day that I was in the hospital all the way to now. You're amazing.'

More: Listen to the Mark Ronson produced Orlando tribute 'Hands'

'I'm happy I could be there in my own little way to help you', Katy responded, but that's not all. She went on gift him with something a lot more life-changing than her mere presende.'I heard that you want to go to film school so I personally want to pay for your first year at film school', she revealed to the shock of her number one fan.